Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Washed-out Effect & Blog Candy

Happy Birthday to KrisAs I was thinking about what to post today, I realized that tomorrow is the birthday of Kris, our front desk manager extraordinaire. So I have a little favor to ask you...

Kris handles all the applications for the Certification classes, answers phones, and keeps me in line. She also LOVES all the cute cards people submit, either digitally or physically in the mail.

All I'm asking you to do is take one photo of a birthday card you've made- it could be made for a kid, a guy, or even your grandmother- and e-mail it to Kris this week. If you don't make cards, then send her a photo of some artwork. You could have posted it on your blog a month or a year ago, it doesn't matter, just send a quick e-mail to Kris. This will be my surprise to her: an in-box full of cute birthday greetings from across the country. Title the message: Happy Birthday to You

her e-mail is orders@copicmarker.com

Once you've sent her an e-mail, come back here and leave a comment. I'll enter you in a quick prize drawing for a handful of Ciao markers.

It's that simple. On Saturday at 12 am I'll chose a winner and post it here. Thanks in advance for helping me make Kris's birthday a fun one. I know she'll be smiling all week long :)

Edit: I came into work this morning and had a big smile waiting from Kris. She was VERY surprised and VERY grateful for the cards! She is really looking forward to seeing more cards and artwork, so THANK YOU!!!

Washed Out with Colorless BlenderHere is the artwork I made for Kris' birthday card. I'm not saying Kris is really old, but she is older than me, so that makes her old in my book (I used to be the youngest one around here at the Copic office, but it's been a few years since I could still make that claim).

This is an easy technique. It doesn't matter too much what paper you use, as long as it's cardstock. Start by loosely coloring with a few colors. You don't have to stay in the lines or anything, you're just getting some color down on the page.

Then, I took a blender marker and dipped it into a big bottle of colorless blender solution and dripped it onto the colored areas. Simple, fun, washed-out coloring.

The scanner didn't pick up all the subtle drop-looking blobs, but in real life it looks pretty cool. I love how the color on his hands and the ribbon really washed out of the lines. Before I glue this down I'm going to add more cute grunge and dirt to the edges to really make it look like this card is ready for the happy grave it has waiting. I know Kris will love her card!

Local ClassesOn another note, I'm teaching a cardmaking class this Saturday the 13th from 12:30 to 2:30 or so at DIVA (Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts) here in Eugene. Please register by 5pm tonight if you can come. All supplies are included, and this is a fundraiser for DIVA. I'll be bringing paper, altered art supplies, and all the Copics we can play with (even an air compressor!). To register, visit their website at www.divanow.org

Certification, CHAThere is still space, though these classes are filling up quickly. Contact Kris right away to get added to either the Jan. 23 or 24th class.

Thanks again for all your cards. You'll really make Kris happy and you'll let her know that we appreciate all she does for us down here at Copic. Good luck winning the prize!

Hi Marianne,I love your blog since I am really new to copics. I sent Kris my first Magnolia card that I made 2 months ago. I bet she'll be surprised receiving all these cards. I wish I could see her when she opens her email. Thanks for offering the Copics. I sure appreciate you offering them to us. It would be nice to win

Can I come work for you? PLEEEEEEEEEZZZEEE?? What an awesome boss! I just sent Kris a card and am smiling thinking how much fun she's having today. I love my Copics even more, knowing what wonderful people are with the company.

That is so wonderful of you to have us ALL surprise Kris for her birthday! I hope she has the best birthday ever! And that is so wonderful of you to give away some wonderful markers! I would love to add them to my Copic family!Hugs~ Kim

I just sent Kris a birthday card. I have been reading your blog for 2 months now, and went to my first copic class last Saturday. We learned to color 5 images in this class. The card I sent Chris is the second card I have made since getting the markers and will be one of my very dear friends 65th birthday card on January 8th! Thanks so much for the wonderful information you put on your blog. I live a couple of hours from places that give classes so it is a real treat for me to have a class almost everyday in my home from you! Merry Christmas! Elaine

Now 1st time ever in Internet World, Facebook Earning program has been Launch, Now you Car earn money online with Just use Facebook and earn unlimited. Post a Picture on Facebook and Get $0.07 per Post.www.OnlineCornerz.Com

About Me

I am the North American Product Director for Copic Markers, working at Imagination International, Inc. I have written 4 books on coloring with Copics in conjunction with Colleen Schaan. I used to design stamps for Our Craft Lounge. The things I post on this blog are my personal opinions or techniques I have come across over the years- I will try to give credit where credit is due. These ramblings do not necessarily reflect the general opinions of Copic Markers/Imagination International Inc.
my direct e-mail is marianne@copicmarker.com

Subscribe to my blog!

Copic Glossary

ABS/Airbrush System- Copic Airbrush System. Works with either a compressor or Copic aircans. Uses either Sketch or Copic Markers. 1234TroubleshootingAlcohol Markers- Copic markers are alcohol (ethanol) based dye markers, that are known for being low-odor and giving smooth, vibrant colors. Since they are a dye, they will fade in bright lights, but they are acid free on most surfaces. Anything with alcohol in it will react with these inks. Any Copic marker type is refillable with replaceable tips. They will not cause paper to pill when going over it many times, nor will they dissolve photocopies.

Color Saturation- This is the first digit on a color name. Colors that are 00's, 10's, or 20's will be more vibrant (B05, G16, R29), while colors that are in the 70's, 80's or 90's have more gray added (B95, BG78, G94) and are closer to the neutral/earthy end of the color spectrum. Note: E (Earth) markers don't necessarily follow this rule.

Color Group- A sequential group of colors within one color family with the same first digit (i.e. E30, E31, E33, E34, E35, E37, E39) where numbers ending in 0 are the lightest and 9 is the darkest, also called Natural Blending Group

Copic Certification- These are classes for teachers, store owners, or designers who want to learn techniques and advanced tips on using Copic markers, Airbrushing, etc. for papercrafting. Each class is about 7 hrs, and will be held regionally. Check here for listings of upcoming classes.

Spica Glitter Pens - also called atyou Spica pens. These fun, pigment based pens are filled with micro glass flakes, giving a very subtle, elegant sparkle. Keep stored flat, though if they are giving you troubles, try storing them point down overnite.

Various Ink- Also called Refill Ink or Re-inkers. Each bottle holds 25 cc's of ink. 322 colors available, empty bottle for mixing custom colors also available. Great for making alcohol ink effects, such as Faux Stone or covering large areas. When you see streaking in your work it's time to refill. You can refill directly from your bottle of ink, or you can use a booster needle. Try not to overfill.For refilling dry markers:Ciao- add 1 to 1.5 cc's ink Sketch- 2 cc's Copic 2-3 cc's Wide 3-4 cc's

Using this site for Classes

The content from each post is intended as tutorials and directions as well as useful information. If you would like to use these tutorials in a workshop you are more than welcome to, just give credit to this blog site and other suppliers mentioned in each post.

Thank You!

Marianne

Color Disclaimer

Colors on the screen do not match colors printed in color charts, and neither will match the marker colors in real life. To get a feel of what the colors will look like it's best if you get an actual color swatch.

To request a printed color chart, general catalog, Stamping with Copic Brochure, or Airbrushing with Copic Brochure you can e-mail orders@copicmarker.com (remember, printed charts aren't accurate)

Save a tree, get it digital!For digital copies of the above brochures please look through the Copic Library. Don't see what you need? e-mail me at marianne@copicmarker.com

Check the library also for refilling guides, airbrushing set-ups, and other useful literature.

Click here to purchase your favorite Copic Products

Books by Marianne Walker

These books are stand alone guides for anyone who wants to learn more tricks for coloring with their markers. All images to color are in the back of the book, along with color charts and guides. Each book is printed in English and Español SRP $9.95

Shadows & Shading: A beginner's guide to lighting placementThis book is for teaching you where to accurately put shadows and highlights when coloring with any medium. Includes clear lighting guides to help you plan where to place your shadows & highlights. Distributed by Copic/Imagination International, Inc.